Nine Gables Vineyard and Winery is located on what was once the Old Pieroni Ranch. Antonio & Ester Pieroni immigrated to America in April, 1905 and settled in Amador County. In 1911, Mr. Pieroni and his partners Emilio D'Agostini and Guisepe Guiltieri purchased property which became the D'Agostini Winery. Mr. Pieroni sold his share of the D'Agostini property and subsequently purchased the 120 acre ranch property in the Shenandoah Valley. Mr. Pieroni worked in Plymouth in the Alleghany mine (which ceased operations shortly after World War II). The family lived in Plymouth and commuted to the ranch to get the house ready.

County records indicate the old farm house, which is still standing west of Nine Gables, was built in 1857. The original builder is unknown. Some time after occupying the house, the Pieroni's planted vineyards and walnut trees. The vineyards consisted mostly of Zinfandel and Mission grapes. The Pieroni Winery was constructed across the driveway from the Pieroni ranch house. The crushing and primary fermentation were completed on the first floor and the wine was stored in the basement below. The Pieroni Winery ceased operations sometime before the Second World War.

Over the years, the Old Pieroni Ranch was split into many parcels. The first floor of the Pieroni Winery is now a cabin, the old ranch house has been remodeled several times and many of the walnut trees were removed to plant more grapes. The Mission grapes originally planted in the early 1900's are still growing around the Nine Gables Vineyard and Winery house and tasting room.

Nine Gables Vineyard and Winery is not a large winery by intent. We are committed to making wines in small batch fermentations with a hands-on, handcrafted approach. We feel that better flavors come from fermenting the grapes in small batches and hand-punching thse many times a day for maximum extraction of flavors, colors and aromas. The wine is then stored for 18 months in oak barrels. Stainless steel tanks at Nine Gables are used mostly for blending and storing wines.

Good wines start with good grapes.  While Nine Gables Vineyard and Winery does not grow all of the grapes used in its wines, we strive to buy only the highest quality grapes from growers who share our commitment to exceptional wine. The best wines can only be produced when both grower and vintner share a strong commitment to methods of cultivation which achieves the highest quality grapes and wines. We have recently added 20 acres to our property and have planted several grape varietals. This will allow us to produce more estate grown wines in the future.

Visiting the winery.  When you visit Nine Gables, we do our very best to make your experience a pleasant one. Consider yourself a member of the Nine Gables extended family. Often times you will be greeted by one or more of the family members as well as the family dogs. Hannah is no longer with us but continues to greet you on the back label of our wines. Blue and Gretchen are our "rescue" dogs. Both are Weimaraners and both have adjusted to life at the winery with ease. The dogs may greet you with either a bark or a kiss, depending on their mood.

Join our Wine Club.  Take advantage of Club discounts on wine purchases. Ask about our Wine Club or go the Wine Club page on this web site for details.

We hold small private tastings for a minimum charge - with or without catering.

Nine Gables Vineyard and Winery is dedicated to making quality wines at reasonable prices. We make our wines for your enjoyment. Share our wines with your fiends and tell them about our steadfast commitment to making quality wines.

Sincerely,

Jerry, Pam, & Ryan Notestine